Can I Adopt A Baby If I'm Divorced?

Is adopting a baby right for me?

The adoption process can be challenging, time consuming, and expensive, but it's the right decision for some people. If you're ready to adopt a child, it's important to make sure the decision is right for you. Before you make any final decisions, find out what's involved in adopting a child.

What Are the Adoption Requirements in Pennsylvania?

To adopt a child in Pennsylvania, you must be a US citizen and you must have a certain income. You must also be free from any criminal activity, such as drug or alcohol abuse. The adoption agency will do an investigation to ensure you meet all the requirements. Your spouse's income should not be a factor.

If you've completed the requirements and you still want to adopt a child, the agency will help you look for a baby that needs a home.

What Will Happen After I Complete the Adoption Process?

When you complete the adoption process, the child will be placed in your care. This usually happens after your application is approved and you and the child meet with an adoption counselor. The counselor will help you select a name for the child and prepare a document called a court order. This court order states that you are responsible for the child and that the agency can't return the child to the birth mother or father.

Once you receive the court order, you'll need to pay the adoption fee. The fee is $500 in Pennsylvania. It usually takes two to three weeks for the agency to get the adoption paperwork completed and the court order signed.

Adopting a Child Through Foster Care

In some cases, the child's biological parents are unable to care for their children, so they give them up to foster care. The foster parent then adopts the child. This is called foster care adoption. The foster parent usually has to pay the adoption fees and the child is placed in the foster parent's care until the court case is over.

You can also get a child through a private adoption. In this case, you can apply without the approval of the child's birth parents. The adoption agency will handle the legal paperwork, and the agency may handle the money.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Adopting a Child?

There are pros and cons to adopting a child. Some of the pros are that you get to be a part of the child's life and the child gets a loving family. Some of the cons include the challenges of finding a child.

Pros:

You get to be a part of the child's life and the child gets to have a loving family.

You get to meet the child and the child gets to meet you.

You may be able to give the child more love, attention, and care than he or she gets from his or her birth family.

Cons:

Finding a child to adopt can be difficult.

Some children are adopted by the same family.

There may be challenges to your relationship with the birth parents.